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The relationship between the Ratana movement and Labour will again be under scrutiny as morehu gather at the settlement near Whanganui to celebrate the birthday of their prophet Tahupotiki Wiremu Ratana at the weekend.
Spokesperson Andre Mason says a lot of the emphasis will be on spiritual matters in the lead up to the centenary in four years of Ratana receiving a vision for Maori from the Holy Ghost.
The fact that it's the first major hui of the year also makes it a magnet for politicians.
Mr Mason says while the bonds between Ratana and Labour have been tested in recent years with the emergence of Maori political parties, it's still important to many in the movement.
"Ourselves even as Ratana probably not been proactive over the last 10, 15 years and a lot of that is being gathered again. Having Adrian Rurawhe standing for Te Tai Hauauru and also Soraya Peke – Mason going for a party list postion, and I'm sure David Cuncliffe and his group are looking for a relationship, looking at our history and our relationship and seeing where we are going today and where are we," he says.
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